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Saudi Arabia's Quiet Shift on Alcohol Policy to Attract Foreign Residents

Saudi Arabia's Quiet Shift on Alcohol Policy to Attract Foreign Residents

Saudi Arabia is discreetly easing its strict alcohol prohibition as part of its broader strategy to attract foreign residents and boost its entertainment and tourism sectors. An unmarked store in Riyadh is reportedly selling alcohol to affluent foreigners with 'premium residency,' a program designed to attract skilled expatriates. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. The store's existence is not widely advertised, and access is limited to those meeting specific income criteria. This development reflects a potential shift in Saudi Arabia's approach to balancing religious conservatism with global expectations.
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Red Sea Film Festival Expands Saudi Cinema's Global Reach Amid Western Skepticism

Red Sea Film Festival Expands Saudi Cinema's Global Reach Amid Western Skepticism

Red Sea Film Festival Expands Saudi Cinema's Global Reach Amid Western Skepticism
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Saudi Arabia Expands Alcohol Sales to Wealthy Foreign Expats in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia Expands Alcohol Sales to Wealthy Foreign Expats in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia has discreetly expanded its alcohol sales policy by allowing wealthy foreign expatriates with 'premium residency' status to purchase alcohol in a store located in Riyadh. Previously, alcohol sales were restricted to foreign diplomats. The new policy requires expats to have spent at least 30 months in the country over the past five years and earn a minimum monthly income of 50,000 riyals (approximately $13,300). Access to the store is controlled through a reservation system and a points-based purchase limit. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to develop its non-religious tourism sector, although there has been no official announcement regarding this policy change.
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Red Sea Film Festival Suspends Activities Due to Severe Weather in Jeddah

Red Sea Film Festival Suspends Activities Due to Severe Weather in Jeddah

The Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has been forced to suspend all activities and screenings due to severe weather conditions. A lightning storm accompanied by torrential rain hit the port city, prompting festival organizers to close the Souk market area and the Culture Square screening hub. Participants were advised to remain in their hotels or stay put if they were already at the festival site. The weather conditions also led to the suspension of onsite learning in schools across Jeddah and nearby areas. Despite the disruptions, an In-Conversation event with Darren Aronofsky was able to proceed before the full cancellation of the day's events. The festival, which features a variety of screenings and talks, had planned appearances by notable figures such as Riz Ahmed, who is serving on the jury this year.
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PGxAI and Lean Business Services Partner to Advance AI Pharmacogenomics in Saudi Arabia

PGxAI and Lean Business Services Partner to Advance AI Pharmacogenomics in Saudi Arabia

PGxAI, a U.S.-based leader in AI-powered pharmacogenomics, has formed a strategic partnership with Lean Business Services and Najashi Holding to implement AI-driven pharmacogenomics across Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program. The collaboration aims to establish a localized data infrastructure to generate, secure, and apply genomic insights within the country, thereby reducing adverse drug reactions on a population scale. The partnership focuses on data sovereignty and clinical integration, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in precision medicine. By integrating genomic insights into clinical workflows, the initiative seeks to minimize avoidable adverse drug reactions while ensuring that intellectual property and data governance remain within the Kingdom.
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IHG Expands in Saudi Arabia with New Hotel Indigo in Jeddah's Grand Square

IHG Expands in Saudi Arabia with New Hotel Indigo in Jeddah's Grand Square

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with SEDCO Capital to open a 150-room Hotel Indigo in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This hotel will be part of the Grand Square mixed-use development on King Abdulaziz Road, which integrates hospitality, retail, and office spaces. The project is a collaboration between Ajdan Real Estate Development Company, MASIC Investment Company, and SEDCO Capital. This expansion aligns with IHG's strategy to grow its lifestyle hotel portfolio in Saudi Arabia, where it currently operates 46 hotels and plans to open 60 more in the coming years.
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SIAD Holding Concludes Jeddah Hajj Conference Participation, Inks Major Hospitality Deal

SIAD Holding Concludes Jeddah Hajj Conference Participation, Inks Major Hospitality Deal

SIAD Holding has concluded its participation as a Platinum Sponsor at the fifth Hajj Conference & Exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, saw SIAD Holding showcase its latest hospitality and service solutions aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience. The company established several strategic partnerships during the conference, including a significant deal with Warwick Hotels & Resorts. This partnership will see Saja Hotels, a subsidiary of SIAD Holding, rebranded as 'Saja by Warwick,' aiming to elevate hotel standards in Makkah and Madinah. The conference also recognized SIAD Holding's contributions with an honorary shield presented by Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz.
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Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Restrictions for Foreign Residents, Signaling Potential Policy Shift

Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Restrictions for Foreign Residents, Signaling Potential Policy Shift

Saudi Arabia is reportedly easing its strict alcohol bans, allowing an unmarked store in Riyadh to discreetly sell alcohol to affluent foreigners. This development, reported by the New York Times, indicates a potential shift in the Kingdom's conservative policies as it seeks to attract international appeal. The store, which lacks an online presence, sells alcohol to those with 'premium residency,' a program designed to attract skilled foreign nationals. Bloomberg reports that entry to the store requires proof of a monthly salary exceeding 50,000 riyals. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to balance religious conservatism with global expectations, as it diversifies its economy beyond oil dependency.
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SIAD Holding Partners with Warwick Hotels to Enhance Saudi Hospitality Standards

SIAD Holding Partners with Warwick Hotels to Enhance Saudi Hospitality Standards

SIAD Holding, a prominent player in the hospitality sector, concluded its participation as a Platinum Sponsor at the fifth Hajj Conference & Exhibition in Jeddah. During the event, the company announced a significant partnership between its hotel management arm, Saja Hospitality Solutions (SHS), and the international brand Warwick Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration will see Saja Hotels adopting the new identity 'Saja by Warwick,' aiming to elevate hotel standards in Makkah and Madinah by integrating global hospitality excellence with authentic Saudi character. The partnership is part of SIAD Holding's broader strategy to support Saudi Vision 2030 by providing integrated and sustainable services for pilgrims, including hospitality, transportation, catering, and accommodation.
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Aleph Hospitality Secures Tapestry Collection by Hilton for New Hotel in Saudi Arabia

Aleph Hospitality Secures Tapestry Collection by Hilton for New Hotel in Saudi Arabia

Aleph Hospitality, a leading independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has announced the acquisition of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand for a new hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This upcoming 84-key hotel, owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate, marks Aleph Hospitality's third Tapestry Collection property under management. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2027 and will be part of Hilton's portfolio of independent boutique hotels, known for their cultural charm and unique experiences. The hotel will also participate in Hilton Honors, the company's guest loyalty program.
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Red Sea Film Festival Suspends Events Due to Severe Rainstorm, Prioritizes Safety

Red Sea Film Festival Suspends Events Due to Severe Rainstorm, Prioritizes Safety

Red Sea Film Festival Suspends Events Due to Severe Rainstorm, Prioritizes Safety
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ALPTech Expands Middle East Presence with New Office in Riyadh

ALPTech Expands Middle East Presence with New Office in Riyadh

ALPTech, a global provider of data science and risk analytics services, has opened a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This expansion is part of the company's strategic plan to tap into the rapidly growing AI economy in the region. Co-Founder and Senior Partner Ashwani Roy highlighted the move as a commitment to the Saudi market, which is becoming a global testbed for large-scale data solutions. The Riyadh office will be led by Co-Founder Sharad Gupta, who will relocate to oversee operations. The firm aims to meet the increasing demand for its services in the finance and investment sectors.